We did it! We’ve made it to Munich! After several months of preparation and lots of goodbyes, we finally jumped on the plane with our one-way ticket. It’s been a week since we have landed and, after quarantining, we have finally gotten the opportunity to explore the surroundings. Here are some highlights!
In order to have a little space to breathe and reflect before our actual departure, we decided to take a trip to San Diego! We mostly wanted to stock up on sun and Mexican food (which is not common in Europe) and enjoy some freedom before entering the stricter covid restrictions in Germany. It was a great trip to process just what the heck was going on inside us; we’d been so wound up and in “go mode,” we hardly knew! In the old days, people moving abroad traveled by boat and would have several weeks to process and grieve. Nowadays, you say goodbye and in a couple of hours, you say hello! We were grateful for the space that trip provided.
The day before departure we felt prepared for all the things needed to enter Germany...until we got an ambiguous email saying that we might need a PCR test. The scramble began. It turns out that the Netherlands has different requirements than Germany and because we were to fly into Amsterdam, we had to get another type of Covid test. Prior to that email the day before our flight, there was no prior mention. Alas, in order to get the test done on time we had to pay $$$ for a rapid PCR test at the airport. That was unfortunate but we were glad to have smooth sailing after that stress.
(Arriving at our hotel, the view from our room, and Chase in our tiny kitchen!)
After a wonderful welcome by our some other YL staff in Munich, we were rushed to our temporary home so we could hurry up and quarantine for five days (we will stay in an AirBnb for a month as we look for housing). This worked out for Meg as she finished all her papers for seminary. Chase, on the other hand, was completely jet lagged and spent his early mornings watching Rick Steves and reading German Men Pee Sitting Down And Other Insights Into German Culture. It was actually a good time to focus on paperwork, admin stuff, and figuring what apps to download. There is an interesting paradox in Germany--you need a bank account to get a phone number but you need a phone number to get a bank account. Lol. Maybe that logic puzzle was the real reason that kept Chase up at night.
We were able to hop on a zoom call and meet students! After introductions, they went around and gave us advice. Some of the advice included, “Don’t wear sandals or shorts when it’s not warm out, you’ll get stared at.”
Finally, since our quarantine ended we have been able to explore the city! We were able to get a tour from our new friend Dennis. He and his family have been involved with Young Life for decades and have been instrumental in developing Young Life in Munich’s international schools. We got to see the area we will live in (by Lake Starnberg, look it up, It could be your next vacation destination!) and even took an unofficial tour of Munich International school (where we will be leading). In the picture, you can see the traditional Maypole and a common meeting destination on campus, "the rock."
Germany is pretty locked up and you need a negative covid test and an appointment to go into most stores. Thankfully the grocery stores and bakeries are open! Germany is waiting on supply for Covid Vaccines, only about 8% of Germans are fully vaccinated.
Tomorrow, we start German School! We are excited to be able to focus on learning the language and slowly moving into the neighborhood.
Please be praying for:
An apartment (we hope to find a spot that will allow us to host Young Life, but that might be hard to find!)
Our visa process (that all goes smoothly)
Our continued transition (that we will remain hopeful and connected amidst all the new things and endless paperwork)
How to stay in touch:
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Instagram: @m.e.g.harmon and @frisbeechase
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